HOPKINTON — There is a new principal at the Hopkins Elementary School — Tim Kearnan, who served as assistant principal for the past two years.

He was promoted to succeed Principal Gregory Martineau, who was recently named assistant superintendent for the Northborough-Southborough school district.

Kearnan was selected from 42 applicants, according to Superintendent Cathy MacLeod.

The top four candidates were selected by a screening committee, consisting of parents, teachers and administrators.

"Tim was strongest candidate," she said. "He is absolutely passionate about the school and district. He knows all the kids already."

MacLeod said Kearnan is involved in helping develop the district’s strategic plan.

"He is very familiar with the direction we are going in," MacLeod said.

Kearnan has been with the district for over 13 years, starting as technology integration specialist at Elmwood Elementary School. He then taught second grade for nine years before becoming assistant principal at Hopkins two years ago.

He previously served as the president of the Hopkinton Teachers Association.

He has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Stonehill College, and a master's in education from Fitchburg State. He has complete additional graduate administration coursework at Worcester State College.

Kearnan met with parents at the school and was introduced as the principal at the School Committee meeting on Monday night.

His first official day is today and one of his first tasks will be hiring an assistant principal, MacLeod said.

Jonathan Phelps can be reached at 508-626-4338 or jphelps@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JPhelps_MW.